Modular ballistic backpack having rapid body armor deployment panels

ABSTRACT

A multilayered backpack having deployable panels adapted to form a ballistic vest around the torso of a user, the backpack comprising an optionally detachable, extractable panel adapted to extract and position over a user&#39;s head and around the user&#39;s torso from a detracted position within a hollow interior pocket of the backpack.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to body armor and ballistic paneling. In particular, this invention relates to backpacks and carrying cases comprising soft body armor typically used to protect the torso from projectiles fired from pistols and handheld weapons.

Description of the Related Art

There is an unmet need in the art for an armored backpack with deployable panels for improving front and side torso protection. Although ballistic resistant backpacks comprising armored panels formed from high tensile strength fibers are known in the art, these backpacks do not offer full torso protection to a wearer nor modularized, multiconfigurable function. Typical armored jackets or vests composed of layers of high tenacity textile material such as Kevlar® are stiff, cumbersome and difficult to wear. For that reason, they are too often avoided except in exigent circumstances by law enforcement and military personnel. As a result, users often fail to precautionarily act on the need to wear such body armor until circumstances exist necessitating them, which circumstances typically arise too quickly for users to retrieve and vest themselves in ballistic armor.

By creating a backpack with deployable panels which offers on demand, optimized, optional torso protection—with panels stowed within the backpack until needed—law enforcement personnel are afforded more flexible, more efficient armor protection means which does not protect only at the expense of flexibility and comfort.

There is a need in the art and by tactical personnel for a modular, multiconfigurable ballistic backpack. It is desirable that such a ballistic backpack be provided which has these properties and which overcomes these difficulties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for a modular ballistic backpack having rapid deployment panels for forming full back, side and torso-protective body armor.

Beneficially, such a system would overcome many of the difficulties of the prior art by providing a ballistic backpack adapted to be quickly configured to offer full torso protection to multiple impacts.

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available apparati and methods. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a ballistic backpack defining a hollow interior pocket, the ballistic backpack comprising: a forward ballistic panel comprising a plurality of outwardly-unfolding axillary panels, the forward ballistic panel affixed interiorly affixed within the hollow interior pocket and adapted to extrude outwardly when pulled over a user's head and to position in place in front of the user's torso; wherein each outwardly-unfolding axillary panel comprises a strikeface layer comprising one or more soft armored ballistic panels; wherein the forward ballistic panel comprises a backface layer; a detachable rearward ballistic panel housed within a hollow interior pocket; and a handle affixed to the forward ballistic panel adapted to allow a user to pull the forward ballistic panel from the hollow interior pocket.

In alternative (optional) embodiments, the detachable rearward ballistic panel is housed within a hollow interior pocket comprising one or more of soft ballistic armor and hard ballistic armor.

Alternatively, the forward ballistic panel and rearward ballistic panel may each comprise various ballistic materials, such as a plurality of cross-plied polyethylene sheets.

The axillary panels may unfold to form a ballistic vest. The ballistic panels may alternatively be covered with a waterproofing material.

The ballistic panel may further comprise a plurality of pockets detachably affixable to the backpack.

A detachable forward ballistic panel detachably affixable to an interior pocket of a backpack is provided, the detachable ballistic forward ballistic panel comprising: a plurality of outwardly-unfolding axillary panels; a handle affixed adapted to allow a user to pull the forward ballistic panel from the hollow interior pocket; wherein the forward ballistic panel is affixed interiorly affixed within the interior pocket of a backpack and adapted to extrude outwardly when pulled over a user's head and to position in place in front of the user's torso; wherein each outwardly-unfolding axillary panel comprises a strikeface layer comprising one or more soft armored ballistic panels; wherein the forward ballistic panel comprises a backface layer; a detachable rearward ballistic panel housed within the interior pocket, the detachable rearward ballistic panel detachably affixed to the interior pocket.

A second ballistic backpack defining a hollow interior pocket is provided, the ballistic backpack comprising: a square forward ballistic panel comprising a plurality of outwardly-unfolding axillary panels, the forward ballistic panel detachably affixed interiorly affixed within the hollow interior pocket and adapted to extrude outwardly when pulled over a user's head and to position in place in front of the user's torso; wherein each outwardly-unfolding axillary panel comprises a strikeface layer; wherein the forward ballistic panel comprises a backface layer; wherein the forward ballistic panel covered in waterproofing material; a detachable rearward ballistic panel housed within a hollow interior pocket; and a handle affixed to the forward ballistic panel adapted to allow a user to pull the forward ballistic panel from the hollow interior pocket.

The axillary panels may unfold to form a ballistic vest. The ballistic panel, in still further embodiments, may further comprise a plurality of pockets detachably affixable to the backpack.

The advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an environmental side perspective view of a ballistic backpack having rapid body armor deployment panels in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an environmental forward perspective view of a ballistic backpack having rapid body armor deployment panels in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an environmental forward perspective view of a ballistic backpack having rapid body armor deployment panels in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a disassembled, partially-sectioned forward perspective view of a ballistic backpack having rapid body armor deployment panels in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded top perspective view of a ballistic backpack having rapid body armor deployment panels in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is an environmental forward perspective view of a ballistic backpack having rapid body armor deployment panels in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an environmental side perspective view of a ballistic backpack having rapid body armor deployment panels 100 in accordance with the present invention.

The backpack 104 is adapted or configured to stow various deployable panels of soft or hard body armor, deployable to protect the front, back and side portions of a user's torso; and, in various embodiments, the head and/or groin areas. The backpack 104 encloses ballistic paneling as described herein.

The backpack 104 comprises a forward ballistic panel 206 (further described below) affixed, in some embodiments, to an interior surface of the backpack 104 and adapted to deploy over a user's head and down into a secure position in front a user's torso when a handle 106 affixed to forward ballistic panel is pulled upwardly and/or forwardly. The handle 106 is affixed to an upper portion of the internally-housed and stowed forward ballistic panel.

A waist strap 108, or belt strap, may circumscribe the waist or lower-torso of a user in some embodiments. The waist strap 108 may be buckled or closed using Velcro® or other attachment means known to those of skill in the art.

FIG. 2 is an environmental forward perspective view of a ballistic backpack having rapid body armor deployment panels 200 in accordance with the present invention.

The forward ballistic panel 206 is affixed to the handle 106 and drawn out of the backpack 104 over the head of a user. The forward ballistic panel 206 is affixed to the backpack 104 with two straps 208, which may be composed of fabric, polymeric and/or organic materials (e.g., leather). In other embodiments, the forward ballistic panel 206 defines a recess through which the user's head passes through.

The forward ballistic panel 206 may be square, rectangular, ovoid, circular, irregularly-shaped or defined by a shield-shaped periphery adapted to maximize front surface area protection of a user.

In various embodiments, the forward ballistic panel 206 may comprise armor or a deck of armor which would be rated at Level IIIA, Level II, or any other rating by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) if incorporated in a different application. In alternative applications, the soft armor forming the forward ballistic panel 206 would be rated by the NIJ (or any other authority such as NATO) in accordance with NIJ's or the other authority's latest rating standards.

The forward ballistic panel 206 may be cut with a template to form a predimensioned bullet-resistant panel as shown.

The forward ballistic panel 206 may join with a back layer positioned on or around a user's 102 back as part of the main body of the backpack 104 and/or cut as a single integrated piece with an integrated back layer.

The forward ballistic panel 206 is defined by a shield-shaped periphery in this embodiment which encloses the front surface area of a user's 102 torso. The forward ballistic panel 206 in the shown embodiment comprises soft body armor, exemplary versions of which may include a high molecular weight polyethylene laminate ballistic panel or a panel composed of a plurality of polyethylene laminate panels. Alternative embodiments include any other soft ballistic panel or plate. The forward ballistic panel 206 may be composed of hard body armor as known to those of skill in the art, including ceramics and metals.

In various embodiments, the forward ballistic panel 206 comprises one or more overlaying flaps or folded axillary ballistic panels 204 which are affixed or hingedly connected to an outer periphery of the forward ballistic panel 206 as shown.

The shown axillary ballistic panel 204 unfolds downwardly to provide ballistic protection to a user's 102 groin area, but this embodiment is optional. Other panels fold laterally or outwardly to protect side regions of a user's 102 torso.

The forward ballistic panel 206 may define or comprise a forward pocket 202 for retaining, securing or receiving personal implements and/or weapons, such as ammunition, magazines, pistols, knifes, handcuffs, and the like. This pocket 202 may be recessed into the forward ballistic panel 206 and/or may be exterior to the forward ballistic panel 206 and detachably affixable thereto using Velcro® or other means known to those of skill in the art, including snaps, zippers, and the like.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a forward ballistic panel 206 which is detachably affixable within the main hollow interior pocket of the backpack 104. The forward ballistic panel 206 may affix to the backpack 104 using Velcro®, zip ties, zipper(s), buckles, or other means known to those of skill in the art. In various embodiments, the forward ballistic panel 206 affixes to a zipper on the top opening of a main pocket of the backpack 104. In other alternative embodiments, the forward ballistic panel 206 simply rests within the backpack 104 or is affixed to the rearward ballistic panel remaining in the backpack 104.

FIG. 3 is an environmental forward perspective view of a ballistic backpack having rapid body armor deployment panels 300 in accordance with the present invention.

The forward ballistic panel 206 of shown exemplary embodiment 300 comprises three outwardly unfold panels 302 a-b, 204 for improving protection to a user's 102 torso. Each of the panels 302 a-b, 204, in the shown embodiment is configured the display the strikeface in the unfolded configuration with backface contouring the curvature of the user's 102 torso.

The forward ballistic panel 206 represents the formation of multiple layers of bullet-resistant fabric/material. The layers may be overlapped and stitched or adhered together to form each panel 206, 302 a-b, 204. The panels 204, 302 a-b fold against the forward ballistic panel 206 and are stitched thereto or otherwise affixed using means known to those of skill in the art.

FIG. 4 is a disassembled, partially-sectioned forward perspective view of a ballistic backpack having rapid body armor deployment panels 400 in accordance with the present invention.

The forward ballistic panel 206 is enveloped within the backpack 104 as shown in a folded configuration.

The backpack 104 comprises a plurality of pockets 402 a-b and a carrying receptacle 404 for a beverage container. The pockets 402 a-b and receptacle 404 may zip onto the backpack 104 or be otherwise affixed using means known to those of skill in the art.

In various embodiments, the backpack 400 comprises a rearward ballistic panel 406 permanently affixed to an interior surface of the backpack 400 for offering ballistic protection the back of a user 102. The rearward ballistic panel 406 may be detachable in some embodiments, and replaceable with hard ballistic trauma plates, trauma pads, of a plurality of other materials. In various embodiments, the backpack 400 comprises a plurality of rearward ballistic panels 406.

FIG. 5 is an exploded top perspective view of a ballistic backpack having rapid body armor deployment panels 500 in accordance with the present invention.

The panels 502, or doors, are hingedly-affixed to the backpack 104 and fold down covering an open top end through which the forward ballistic panel 206 is pulled.

FIG. 6 is an environmental forward perspective view of a ballistic backpack having rapid body armor deployment panels 600 in accordance with the present invention.

The backpack 600 and its subcomponents including the forward ballistic panel 206 may be covered in a waterproofing material or sheer known to those of skill in the art.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A ballistic backpack defining a hollow interior pocket, the ballistic backpack comprising: a forward ballistic panel comprising a plurality of outwardly-unfolding axillary panels, the forward ballistic panel affixed interiorly affixed within the hollow interior pocket and adapted to extrude outwardly when pulled over a user's head and to position in place in front of the user's torso; wherein each outwardly-unfolding axillary panel comprises a strikeface layer comprising one or more soft armored ballistic panels; wherein the forward ballistic panel comprises a backface layer; a detachable rearward ballistic panel housed within a hollow interior pocket; and a handle affixed to the forward ballistic panel adapted to allow a user to pull the forward ballistic panel from the hollow interior pocket.
 2. The ballistic panel of claim 1, wherein the detachable rearward ballistic panel housed within a hollow interior pocket comprises one or more of soft ballistic armor and hard ballistic armor.
 3. The ballistic panel of claim 1, wherein the forward ballistic panel and rearward ballistic panel each comprise a plurality of cross-plied polyethylene sheets.
 4. The ballistic panel of claim 1, wherein the axillary panels unfold to form a ballistic vest.
 5. The ballistic panel of claim 1, wherein the ballistic panels are covered with a waterproofing material.
 6. The ballistic panel of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pockets detachably affixable to the backpack.
 7. The ballistic panel of claim 1, further comprising a waist strap.
 8. A detachable forward ballistic panel detachably affixable to an interior pocket of a backpack, the detachable ballistic forward ballistic panel comprising: a plurality of outwardly-unfolding axillary panels; a handle affixed adapted to allow a user to pull the forward ballistic panel from the hollow interior pocket; wherein the forward ballistic panel is affixed interiorly affixed within the interior pocket of a backpack and adapted to extrude outwardly when pulled over a user's head and to position in place in front of the user's torso; wherein each outwardly-unfolding axillary panel comprises a strikeface layer comprising one or more soft armored ballistic panels; wherein the forward ballistic panel comprises a backface layer; a detachable rearward ballistic panel housed within the interior pocket, the detachable rearward ballistic panel detachably affixed to the interior pocket.
 9. The ballistic panel of claim 8, further comprising a waist strap.
 10. A ballistic backpack defining a hollow interior pocket, the ballistic backpack comprising: a square forward ballistic panel comprising a plurality of outwardly-unfolding axillary panels, the forward ballistic panel detachably affixed interiorly affixed within the hollow interior pocket and adapted to extrude outwardly when pulled over a user's head and to position in place in front of the user's torso; wherein each outwardly-unfolding axillary panel comprises a strikeface layer; wherein the forward ballistic panel comprises a backface layer; wherein the forward ballistic panel covered in waterproofing material; a detachable rearward ballistic panel housed within a hollow interior pocket; and a handle affixed to the forward ballistic panel adapted to allow a user to pull the forward ballistic panel from the hollow interior pocket.
 11. The ballistic panel of claim 10, wherein the axillary panels unfold to form a ballistic vest.
 12. The ballistic panel of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of pockets detachably affixable to the backpack using Velcro -like attachment means.
 13. The ballistic panel of claim 10, further comprising a waist strap. 